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Biomedical subjects

T Randall

Publications and source records attributed to T Randall.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase in human brain tumors detected by activity assay and monoclonal antibodies.

O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) activity was measured in 68 tissue samples taken from brain. A wide range in activity among samples was observed, with all nonmalignant samples showing transferase activity (Mer+) but approximately 15% of WHO grade II low-grade astrocytomas and WHO grade IV glioblastoma multiformes lacking activity (Mer-). On average, astrocytomas and glioblastomas showed less transferase activity than either nonmalignant tissue or meningiomas. Monoclonal antibodies specific for MGMT showed both cytoplasmic and nuclear staining of Mer+ brain tumor cells in culture but no staining of Mer- cells in culture. In pathology specimens from anaplastic astrocytomas, glioblastoma multiformes, and meningiomas, antibody staining revealed both cytoplasmic and nuclear MGMT, while one sample showed little or no MGMT-specific staining. These results help explain why nitrosoureas have been among the most successful agents in treatment of brain tumors and indicate the subcellular localization for the repair activity, which may be relevant to nitrosourea resistance.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Choosing the preventive workload in general practice: practical application of the Coronary Prevention Group guidelines and Dundee coronary risk-disk.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the workload implications for general practice of the Coronary Prevention Group and British Heart Foundation action plan for preventing heart disease. DESIGN: Computer simulation of plan, including calculation of Dundee risk scores, with data from OXCHECK trial. SUBJECTS: 4759 patients aged 35-64 who had health checks during 1989-91. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Effect of using different risk scores as thresholds on workload and coverage of patients at known risk. Thresholds of 6-20 were used for cholesterol screening (nearset) and 4-16 for special care (preset). RESULTS: On the basis of workload a nearset of 8 and preset of 12 would be reasonable. This implies cholesterol measurement in 1794 (37.7%) patients and special care in 1074 (22.6%). However, many patients with single risk factors were not allocated to special care at these thresholds: 11 (37.9%) patients with cholesterol concentrations > or = 10 mmol/l, 21 (33.9%) with systolic pressure > or = 180 mm Hg, and 213 (40.7%) heavy smokers (> 20 cigarettes/day) were missed. The distribution of scores was similar in those at established clinical risk, those with family history of heart disease, and others. CONCLUSION: The guidelines may help to make best use of resources within specific age-sex groups but sound protocols for unifactorial risk assessment and modification remain essential.

Adolescent